We always enjoy driving the CX-5 line. Mazda builds a solid vehicle and adds plenty of features so you feel like you’re getting your money’s worth. With a base starting price of $24,045, there’s sure to be a model to fit most budgets.

There’s no feeling sluggish with the 187 horsepower 2.5L engine. It’s not a sportscar, but it is certainly powerful to pull out in traffic and feel like you’re quickly at speed.

My favorite feature is the “Windshield-projected Active Driving Display with Traffic Sign Recognition” also known as head-up display. Your speed, and the speed limit are straight ahead for quick and easy viewing. Stop signs also pop up. You should definitely still know your surroundings, but every bit helps.

There are a couple features I don’t find appealing but it’s more nit-picky than anything else. Mazda’s information screen sits up on the dash. It’s great for keeping your eyes up, but I can’t help from wanting to make it retract down into the dash, or fold down, when the car is off. I’m sure that’s expensive, so I’ll live with the weirdness of it.

Also, the cup holders are shallow, and wide. I had an energy drink (judge away) that isn’t “cup” sized and it fell over as I turned the corner.

If you can get past a few oddities, the CX-5 is stylish and a fun drive.

Mazda is a definite top in the list of potential purchases in our family. Depending on your needs for space, Mazda has options. Be sure to check out the CX-9 and CX-3.

Safety information from Mazda:“Mazda CX-5 compact crossover SUV has earned the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s (IIHS) “Top Safety Pick+” designation, the nonprofit institution’s highest rating. Every 2017 model year Mazda vehicle tested by IIHS has been rated a Top Safety Pick+, when equipped with optional front crash-prevention and specific headlights, leaving Mazda as the only full-line automaker able to make such a claim.

CX-5 has been awarded as a Top Safety Pick every year since its debut in 2012. This marks the fifth-consecutive year as a “Top Safety Pick+” winner. CX-5’s standard Smart City Brake Support and the effectiveness of its standard LED headlights were both instrumental to CX-5 earning top scores in the latest, strictest additions to IIHS’s safety criteria.”